Uses

Principal Proposed Uses

Other Proposed Uses

The berries of the glossy privet tree,
Ligustrum lucidum
, have a long history of use in
traditional Chinese herbal medicine
as an herb that helps “tonify the yin.” This expression cannot be fully explained without entering into the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine, but it may be said loosely to indicate a strengthening effect on some of the functions of the body. As part of herbal combinations (traditional Chinese herbal medicine seldom uses single-herb preparations), ligustrum is used for such purposes as turning gray hair black, alleviating ringing in the ear, and treating vertigo.

One of the most famous combination therapies containing ligustrum is named Erzhi Wan, or “Two-Solstices Pill.” It consists of ligustrum berries harvested at the winter solstice, combined with another herb (
Eclipta alba
) harvested at the summer solstice. The combined treatment is thought of as providing a balance of two opposite “energies.”

What is Ligustrum Used for Today?

Ligustrum is currently marketed as a treatment for strengthening the immune system, and on this basis is often recommended for use by people undergoing treatment for
cancer
or
HIV
. However, there is no meaningful scientific evidence that ligustrum provides any benefit for these, or any other, conditions.

Very weak evidence from
test-tube
and
animal studies
hints that ligustrum might have anti-parasitic,
1
anti-viral,
2liver- protective
,
3
immunomodulatory (this means “altering” immune function, rather than, as commonly misunderstood, “strengthening” it),
4,5
and
cancer-preventive6
effects. However, this evidence is too preliminary to rely upon at all. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and none have been performed on ligustrum. (For information on why such studies are essential, see
Why Does This Database Rely on Double-blind Studies?
)

Dosage

A typical dose of ligustrum berries is 5 mg taken two or three times daily.

Safety Issues

Although use of ligustrum appears to be well tolerated in general, the herb has not undergone any meaningful safety evaluation at the level of modern scientific standards. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease is definitely not established.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.